Ten musical acts to watch in 2014

2014 promises to be a truly scorching year for new music. Here's what to look out for.

Are you ready? We mean really ready? Now that we've recapped the bygone year in music, we've selected the best new bands, singers and full-on phenoms set to leave tire tracks all over 2014. Choose from fiery buzz bands, slinky singer-songwriters and a pioneering jazz trumpeter. (And yes, Perfect Pussy gets a showing.) And although we're not promising that the next Chvrches, Haim or Chance the Rapper is among this crop, who knows?

Ambrose Akinmusire

The sharp young trumpeter, bandleader and composer behind one of 2011's finest jazz albums, When the Heart Emerges Glistening, Ambrose Akinmusire finally issues its eagerly awaited Blue Note follow-up, the imagined savior is easier to paint, on Mar 11. The wait was worth it: Akinmusire shows off his most prodigious moves on the new disc, sweetening his taut quintet with guitar, string quartet and three singers. Jazz Standard; Mar 13–16.—Steve Smith

Illustration: Courtesy Roc Nation

Boots

At a time when pretty much everything is public knowledge, mystery has great appeal—as evidenced by Boots, the producer, singer and songwriter whose shadowy presence looms behind most of Beyoncé’s latest disc. A good deal of online scurrying and speculation revealed that Boots man Jordy Asher got his start in bands like Blonds and Stonefox before signing with Roc Nation, where his blog page reads simply: “BOOTS was born in the mouth of an 808.” No shows announced as of yet, but for a taste of things to come, get an earful of “Haunted” on Soundcloud.—Sophie Harris

Photograph: Jonah Takagi

Ex Hex

Though we were bummed to learn of indie supergroup Wild Flag’s split, we’re stoked for guitarist Mary Timony’s new effort: She’s joined forces with fellow D.C. musicians Laura Harris and Betsy Wright in a power-pop trio named for one of Timony’s solo albums. Self-described as “what your older brother’s friends listened to,” the trio will put out an album on Merge sometime this year; meanwhile, see what the fuss is about at two dates in the spring. Glasslands Gallery; Mar 20. Mercury Lounge; Mar 21.—Amy Plitt

FKA Twigs

Photograph: Jamie James Medina

FKA Twigs

To say that FKA Twigs made waves with her video for “Water Me” is a bit cheesy, but we can’t resist. The London singer-songwriter garnered as much attention for her clips—gorgeous, challenging and at times outright disturbing—as for her pragmatically named EP2, released on influential London imprint Young Turks in September of last year. Her debut LP is expected to surface this year, and we can’t wait to hear what this dynamic young artist has in store.—Kristen Zwicker

Photograph: Timothy Saccenti

Future Islands

Why do we like them? Because vocalist Samuel T. Herring combines the poise and command of a Shakespearean actor with the onstage agility of an Olympic gymnast, and because the trio as a whole—releasing its 4AD debut, Singles, on March 25—wrings improbable drama out of low-tech synth-pop simplicity. Bowery Ballroom; Feb 6. Webster Hall; Apr 30.—Hank Shteamer

Photograph: Matt Fry

Kelela

Kelela seemed to come out of nowhere when she joined Solange on tour just over a year ago. Since then, she's appeared at CMJ, been featured on Solange's Saint Heron compilation and released Cut 4 Me, a stark mixtape on she layers her soulful vocals over futuristic electronic beats. She's now working on her full-length debut, and if her current output of new-wave R&B is any indication, she's ready for the spotlight.—Marley Lynch

Photograph: Pooneh Ghana

Perfect Pussy

Seemingly from out of nowhere—and actually from out of Syracuse, NY—this racily named post-punk quartet stormed Brooklyn nightspots and indie-rock media with the speed and force of an oncoming locomotive. No surprise: the band packs a tuneful punch on its four-song demo cassette, I have lost all desire for feeling, topped by elliptical poetry from fierce frontwoman Meredith Graves. Newly signed to Captured Tracks, the band is set to deliver Say Yes to Love on Mar 18. Rough Trade; Feb 12.—Steve Smith

Titus Andronicus

The Jersey punks, who explored Civil War history on their 2010 LP, The Monitor, have similarly ambitious conceptual plans for their fourth album: According to frontman Patrick Stickles, the collection will be a 30-track, guitar-driven rock opera that traverses manic depression, Friedrich Nietzsche, romance and a sci-fi storyline about an ancient race of superhumans. Expect local dates to be announced once that epic drops.—Andrew Frisicano

Photograph: Dusdin Condren

The War on Drugs

“Red Eyes,” the latest road-trip-worthy, shaggy-haired and synthy single from Adam Granduciel’s consistently great Philly project, signals that more good vibes surely await on its third LP, Lost in the Dream (out March 18 via Secretly Canadian). Bowery Ballroom; Mar 20. Music Hall of Williamsburg; Mar 21.—Tim Lowery

Ambrose Akinmusire

The sharp young trumpeter, bandleader and composer behind one of 2011's finest jazz albums, When the Heart Emerges Glistening, Ambrose Akinmusire finally issues its eagerly awaited Blue Note follow-up, the imagined savior is easier to paint, on Mar 11. The wait was worth it: Akinmusire shows off his most prodigious moves on the new disc, sweetening his taut quintet with guitar, string quartet and three singers. Jazz Standard; Mar 13–16.—Steve Smith